course on electromagnetism: vectorial field lectures : show field plots (but passive)

1. Supporting Undergraduate Courseson Electromagnetismby Field Simulation ExercisesIGTE, Graz, September 20th, 2010 Herbert De Gersem, Bart Vandewoestyne, Toon Roggen,Eef Temmerman, Bart Van Damme, Koen Vandenbussche, Hans Pottel The projects ''Physics experiments as starting point for interactive learning: from demonstration to exploration'' and ''Multidisciplinary learning environments for mechanics in biomedical, engineering and science education using biomechanical examples'' are financially supported by the OI- and OOF-funds for educational innovation of the K.U. Leuven and its association. The authors thank the CST AG for the classroom license of the CST Studio Suite.

2. Problem Statement • course on electromagnetism: vectorial field • lectures : show field plots (but passive) • exercises : basically integrals, fields hidden • (analytical field solutions → specialised courses) • lab sessions : only global parameters (voltage, resistance) ? how to teach the electromagnetic-field concept ? • simulation tasks • visualisation possibilities • cooking-book booby trap • perception remains „virtual“, „artificial“

3. Integrated Laboratory Session • simple and relevant example→ single-phase transformer • integrated exercise→ analytical calculation, field simulation, measurements(exercises) (simulations) (lab experiments) • requirements • 1st year bachelor course • heterogeneous student groups (eng,phys,math,chem) • limited time (5 hours) • minimise teaching load (increasing student population) • challenges • topic : electrical engineering is no part of the course • simulation : 3D, nonlinear iron, eddy currents, forces, noise • experiments : lab precautions

4. Preparation • introductory text(to be read on beforehand) • working principle(reminder) • technical aspects(no part of the course!) • analytical model(no part of the course!) • AC circuit solving(preceeding exercises) http://www.kuleuven-kortrijk.be/~u0005424/labtrf_english.pdf

5. Approach coil without core coil with core + δ gradually built up coil with core and air gap + + + transformer, no-load test no-load + transformer, short-circuit test short-circuit

6. Approach analytical experimental numerical 3 tasks in parallel (student team) → all result tables have 3 columns + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

7. Approach analytical experimental numerical compare and discuss results → get insight in modelling assumptions ← requires attention of teaching staff + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

8. Approach analytical experimental numerical + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load detect (and cure) calculation and measurement errors yourself ! + short-circuit

9. Tasks analytical experimental numerical + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

10. Tasks analytical experimental numerical + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

11. Tasks analytical experimental numerical define geometry & mesh + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

12. Tasks analytical experimental numerical simulate magnetic field + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load are flux lines as expected ? link field plots to operation modes ! + short-circuit CST EM STUDIO (www.cst.com)

13. Tasks analytical experimental numerical beyond analytical formulae e.g. eddy currents → iron loss resistance + δ student A student B student C + + + no-load + short-circuit

14. Results results achieved at April 23th, 2009by Ward Snoeck, Pieter Snauwaert and Hanne Deprez.

15. Conclusions • for students • process of simplification (reality → model) • visualisation and interpretation of field plots • (!) simulation and experiment next to each other • comparison and discussion of results (differences!) • analytical task boring, but necessary for checking • for teaching staff • teaching load: increased in 2008 & 2009,decreased since 2010 • introductory text should be of high quality • persuade the students to compare and discuss the results

16. http://www.kuleuven-kortrijk.be/~u0005424/labtrf_english.pdf